Adonis Garcia Will Break Out During 2016 MLB Season For Atlanta Braves

In this post-steroid era of high strikeouts and low homers, it is amazing how long it took Adonis Garcia to make his MLB debut. That is until you realize he never hit for power in the minors.

Garcia was signed out of Cuba by the New York Yankees in May of 2012. He played for their minor league teams until April 1, 2015. In 199 games over three seasons, he hit 18 home runs. He was not setting the world on fire. He was an above average outfielder who had played a few games on the infield before signing with the Atlanta Braves.

Garcia made his debut on May 19 for the Braves and was one of the brighter spots in an otherwise disappointing season. He played a mediocre third base, but is still going to be the opening day starter ahead of Hector Olivera this season. Garcia earned a spot by hitting 10 home runs in just 191 at-bats in 2015.

Garcia is an ideal breakout candidate because of his OBP in the minors. Have contact, will travel, as a version of the saying goes. Garcia was on pace every year to strike out fewer than 100 times per season and has a career minor league OBP of .324.

So what can we expect from Garcia this year, if he can stay healthy and stay ahead of Kelly Johnson on the depth chart? The low end would be something similar to Albert Pujols circa 2013: 17 HRs, 64 RBIs and a split of .258/.330/.437. On the top end, Garcia could hit 30 home runs with 75 RBIs. His OBS likely won’t be higher than .800, but he could provide a show at third Braves fans haven’t seen since Chipper Jones retired.

By releasing Nick Swisher, the Braves have removed Olivera’s primary insurance policy in left. That also means Johnson is the only experienced backup to Garcia. The Braves are expecting big things from Garcia in 2016.